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School survey has direct Clearview impact

Superintendent Peter Barron says Alberta Education survey impacts locally, provincially
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Stu Salkeld The Stettler Independfent

There’s an excellent chance for parents, students, staff and the general public within Clearview Public schools to have their say on where local education should travel.

Alberta Education will be contacting people within Clearview Public Schools, including Stettler, Castor and other areas, to get local input on how education in this region is being delivered.

Clearview Public Schools superintendent Peter Barron said at his office Jan. 11 the survey results play an important role in local education. “We look at these really closely,” said Barron. “Kind of our own report card, if you will.”

He said survey results inform education plans at the division and even school level, and that information often leads to targets or goals. School councils also have access to the survey results.

Barron said he hopes to see responses for a large number of Clearview stakeholders. “Sometimes we get a small response,” said Barron, noting a smaller response sometimes has question surrounding it, such as, if this is a problem, how widespread is it?

The superintendent said Clearview responds to suggestions and concerns. For instance, concerns about communication, specifically things like preparing students for the work world after graduation, was heard. To that end Barron said the division is looking at an online program which allows for interests, aptitude and career planning.

According to Clearview Public Schools, The Accountability Pillar provides a way for school authorities to measure their success, and assess their progress towards meeting their learning goals. The purpose of the surveys is to determine the overall quality of the education system, the education system is meeting the needs of students and supporting our society and the economy, schools are providing a safe, caring and inclusive environment for students, the preparation of students for lifelong learning, employment and active citizenship, the education system having effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders, leadership and continuous improvement of the education system, knowledge, skills, abilities and other related attributes of recent high school graduates; and facilities and equipment in the education system. All surveys are anonymous.

Barron said the survey takes perhaps 20 minutes, not very long but very meaningful to local education. The provincial government also ponders results of these surveys.

The superintendent added that the school board wants the community to know projects like the survey have impact. “We do respond,” added Barron.

Clearview Public Schools stated the survey results will be available to school authorities in May, 2018, and will be reported publicly as part of their Three-Year Education Plans and Annual Education Results Reports.

editor@stettlerindependent.com